July 03, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Education has announced that the 2025 distribution of sanitary napkins to schoolgirls will be managed exclusively by four trading organisations that have received official certification.
This revised approach seeks to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the national programme while maintaining stringent standards for product quality and student welfare.
These selected institutions have been vetted and approved by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) and hold certification under the SLS 1732:2022 standard, which covers health, hygiene, and safety requirements.
Only these authorised entities will be permitted to access school premises and deliver sanitary napkin packs directly to students, according to the Ministry.
The decision to limit distribution to certified suppliers follows growing concerns over the consistency and safety of products delivered through previous channels. Officials stated that the move is expected to protect the dignity, health, and comfort of school-aged girls, particularly in underserved communities where access to proper menstrual hygiene products remains a challenge.
By introducing a streamlined model anchored in regulatory oversight, the Ministry aims to eliminate substandard or unregulated supplies and ensure that every student benefits from reliable, high-quality menstrual hygiene support.
The involvement of certified distributors also introduces a layer of accountability, making it easier to monitor distribution efforts and address any deficiencies.
